Ignition switch replacement

I would like to know how to replace the ignition switch on my car. It is in the dash, not the column and I need to know the easiest way to get to it, test it and replace if need be.

Thanks Doc.

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Monday, November 10th, 2008 AT 1:42 PM

12 Replies

DAVE H

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Hope this is of use

IGNITION SWITCH
Removal
NOTE:Door, trunk and ignition are operated by one key. If procedure requires ignition switch lock cylinder to be replaced, new ignition switch lock cylinder should be recoded to old key.

NOTE:Passlock(tm) sensor is an integral part of ignition switch assembly.

INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER TRIM PLATE
Removal & Installation (Impala)
CAUTION:Use correct fastener in correct location. Replacement fasteners must be correct part number for application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in service procedures. DO NOT use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage fastener. Use correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to part and systems.

Apply parking brake. Using a small flat-blade tool, remove bezel from ignition switch cylinder. If vehicle is equipped with a column shift, shift transaxle in to first gear. Ensure ignition key is in ignition lock cylinder.
Adjust steering wheel to gain access. Remove access covers from right and left instrument panel fuse block, as required. Remove screws from instrument cluster trim plate.
Starting at right end of instrument panel cluster, pull trim plate rearward. See Fig. 21 . Continue working around instrument cluster trim plate until all retainers are released from instrument trim pad. Disconnect electrical connector from hazard switch and from traction control switch (if equipped). Remove instrument panel cluster trim plate. To install, reverse removal procedure.

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Monday, November 10th, 2008 AT 3:10 PM

DR JOE

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Well, I got the switch out and replaced it and still the car does not start. All fuses check okay.

So now what do I check?

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Thursday, November 13th, 2008 AT 5:05 PM

DAVE H

MEMBER

I thought the ignition was broken in some way from the way you asked in your first post. Can I ask what the car was doing to make you replace the ignition switch? And what it is doing now still of course?

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Thursday, November 13th, 2008 AT 6:14 PM

DENNYP

EXPERT

You probably have a bad pass-lock sensor which is the part that plugs into the ignition switch.

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Thursday, November 13th, 2008 AT 6:34 PM

DR JOE

MEMBER

Dave,

I am sorry that I did not state my problem first or along with my request.

Denny,

Where would that be located, I just replaced the ignition switch. I seen the wires from the pass-code plug, but I did not know where they go once they go into the wiring loom.

I did more research and reading, and what I am seeing is that the BMC is the number one thing that goes wrong on the 2002 Impala. At this point I am all ears on what to do or what might be the problem.

Thanks, Joe

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Thursday, November 13th, 2008 AT 7:19 PM

DAVE H

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I still do not understand what the original fault with the vehicle was. And have you replaced lock cylinder or ignition switch?

IGNITION SWITCH
Removal
NOTE:Door, trunk and ignition are operated by one key. If procedure requires ignition switch lock cylinder to be replaced, new ignition switch lock cylinder should be recoded to old key.

NOTE:Passlock(tm) sensor is an integral part of ignition switch assembly

VEHICLE THEFT DETERRENT (VTD) SYSTEM
The anti-theft system has been incorporated into Body Control Module (BCM). Anti-theft system prevents vehicle operation if correct key is not used in order to start vehicle. Ignition key turns ignition lock cylinder. Cylinder rotation produces an analog voltage code in Passlock(tm) sensor. This voltage code is received by BCM. BCM compares voltage code to previously learned voltage code. If codes match, a class 2 message is sent from BCM to Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Message enables fuel injectors and crank relay.
The design of Passlock(tm) system is to prevent vehicle theft by disabling engine unless ignition lock cylinder rotates properly by engaging correct ignition key. System is similar in concept to passkey system. However, Passlock(tm) system eliminates need for a key mounted resistor pellet. Components of Passlock(tm) system are as follows:
Ignition lock cylinder
Ignition switch
Passlock(tm) sensor
Body Control Module (BCM)
SECURITY indicator
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Ignition Lock Cylinder and Housing
The Passlock(tm) sensor and ignition lock cylinder are one assembly. Passlock(tm) sensor is separate from key and lock cylinder. Key and lock cylinder work together in order to determine if proper ignition key was used to start vehicle.
In event of an open Class 2 serial data line between BCM and PCM, vehicle will become fail-enabled if PCM has already received password from BCM for that ignition cycle (engine running). When this happens, SECURITY indicator will illuminating PCM will become fail-enabled for future ignition cycles.
If a failure in Class 2 serial data line occurs before ignition cycle, when PCM is not fail-enabled, PCM will never receive a valid password in order to enable fuel injectors and crank relay and vehicle will not start.
Ignition Switch
The electrical switching portion of ignition lock cylinder assembly is separate from key and lock cylinder. Electrical switch portion and key and lock cylinder synchronize and work in conjunction through action of mechanical assembly between two components.
Passlock(tm) Sensor
The Passlock(tm) sensor contains 2 hall effect sensors. Tamper hall effect sensor is on top. Security hall effect sensor is under tamper hall effect sensor. Both hall effect sensors monitor magnet of lock cylinder through an opening. Tamper hall effect sensor is physically placed on top of security hall effect sensor. This arrangement enables tamper hall effect sensor to engage first if an intruder attempts to bypass Passlock(tm) sensor by placing a large magnet around that area of steering column. There is a tamper resistor inside Passlock(tm) sensor in order to help prevent tamper to system. Passlock(tm) equipped vehicles have a selection of 10 different security resistors ranging from 0.5K ohms to 13.6K ohms. Installing one of the security resistors inside Passlock(tm) sensor will generate a unique Passlock(tm) code. All 10 combinations of Passlock(tm) sensor have same part number.
Body Control Module
The Body Control Module (BCM) contains anti-theft system logic. BCM reads Passlock(tm) data from Passlock(tm) sensor. If Passlock(tm) data is correct, BCM will send a class 2 message to PCM to enable fuel injectors and crank relay.
During tamper mode vehicle may start. Vehicle will then stall. If BCM receives wrong Passlock(tm) data, VTD system will immediately go into tamper mode. Tamper mode will lock-out vehicle fuel injectors and crank relay for 10 minutes. SECURITY indicator will flash while VTD is in tamper mode.
If Passlock(tm) sensor sends a correct password to BCM when ignition is in RUN position, BCM will send a fuel enable and crank relay enable signal to PCM.
SECURITY indicator
The SECURITY indicator appears on message center inside instrument cluster. If SECURITY indicator flashes or if SECURITY indicator illuminates continuously during vehicle operation, refer to system diagnosis.
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
The PCM communicates with BCM over Class 2 serial data line. When BCM determines an incorrect password, it sends a Class 2 serial data password to PCM in order to disable crank relay and fuel injection system. If BCM receives expected voltage from Passlock(tm) sensor, BCM sends a class 2 serial data password to PCM in order to enable crank relay and fuel injection system. PCM then allows vehicle to start normally.
Fuel Lockout Cycle
The Passlock(tm) system has a lockout cycle of approximately 10 minutes. Once vehicle is in lockout cycle, vehicle remains in lockout cycle for 10 minutes, even if ignition switch is turned from RUN position to OFF position.
The Passlock(tm) system uses lockout cycle in order to synchronize all of Passlock(tm) components when any Passlock(tm) related part is replaced. Passlock(tm) system requires 3 consecutive lockout cycles in order to complete 30 minute learn procedure for a changed component.
Changing Passlock(tm) Components
The design of Passlock(tm) system is to prevent theft even if various theft deterrent parts change. Parts that can no longer be changed without possibility of going into a tamper mode are Passlock(tm) sensor, BCM and PCM.
If you replace any of these parts, vehicle may not start for 10 minutes. This is long tamper mode. If this occurs, system must go through a long tamper mode cycle. During this time SECURITY indicator will be flashing for a full 10 minutes and DTC B3031 will be set. BCM and PCM require a full 10 minutes in order to complete a learn cycle. Ignition switch must remain in RUN position until SECURITY indicator stops flashing. You will need to repeat cycle if ignition switch does not remain in RUN position. When replacing any listed parts, program Passlock(tm) system. See PASSLOCK(tm) SYSTEM under PROGRAMMING.
The design of Passlock(tm) system is to prevent vehicle operation if proper ignition key is not used in order to start vehicle. Mechanical key, in normal operation, will turn ignition lock cylinder. Passlock(tm) sensor monitoring position of lock cylinder will relay Passlock(tm) data to Body Control Module (BCM). BCM will determine validity of Passlock(tm) data. BCM will send a password to Powertrain Control Module (PCM). When PCM receives correct password PCM allows crank relay and fuel injectors to operate normally. Passlock(tm) system requires PCM and BCM to communicate various functions in order to operate. These functions transmit over class 2 serial data line.
ADDING OR REPLACING KEYS
The ignition lock cylinder and keys do not contain any coded electronic components. Lock cylinder housing contains coded electronic components. Changing an ignition lock cylinder or adding a key is a purely mechanical process which does not affect vehicle anti-theft system. To add or replace a key, simply cut a new key to match existing one. If no keys are available, lock cylinder must be changed. To change lock cylinder, simply replace existing lock cylinder with one of same type.

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Thursday, November 13th, 2008 AT 8:39 PM

DR JOE

MEMBER

Dave,

First off thank you for helping me try and figue this problem out.

Here is the problem: My wife went to start her car last Friday, nothing happened. So when I got home I removed the battery and had it check, checked okay. So then I start looking on the internet and found a couple of web site that led me to think it was the ignition switch. Well it turns out not to be the switch, so now I am looking for answers to why it still will not start.

Like I stated earlier I have checked every fuse and a few relays and nothing is coming up bad. I did find the BCM after my neighbor came over with his code reader and it said no code in the computer. But like I said he did find the BCM for me and we pulled it out and looked at it and reinstalled it and tried it again, nothing. So now I am wondering do I buy another BCM and hope that is the problem? Or do I do something else?

Joe

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Thursday, November 13th, 2008 AT 10:22 PM

DENNYP

EXPERT

The pass-lock sensor is the electronic lock cylinder part of the switch. It will come as a ignition lock cylinder kit and sensor. You can purchase it at the dealer. It will need programming when repairs are completed. It will not start until programmed.

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Friday, November 14th, 2008 AT 9:15 AM

DENNYP

EXPERT

It's the part I have circled.

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Friday, November 14th, 2008 AT 9:26 AM

DAVE H

MEMBER

DR JOE.

Like I have been saying all along if you have replaced the part that DENNY P has circled for you then the vehicle needs to be programmed on a computer so the new part works if you have only replaced the key barrel part hen it does not need programming, but I think we then have to find out why the car did not start in the first place. I do not think I would have replaced the ignition lock without doing some other diagnostics first. Please let us know the actual part you have replaced.

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Friday, November 14th, 2008 AT 4:32 PM

NAVYMAN09

MEMBER

I have a 2002 Impala and I was having issues with the cruise light staying on when I started it and while the light was on the blower motor would not work and the temperature cluster would not work and after about ten minutes the light would go off and everything would work fine except the cruise would only work for a while then kick off. After time the gauges would stop working for a little while then turn back on. I found a couple of websites that made me believe that it was the ignition switch. So I bought a new switch just the electrical part not key and tumbler after replacing it car would not start, the security light would come on and everything else worked normally. However, it would not turn over. So I tried the ten minute thing several times but still the security light stays on and would not turn over. If I put the old switch in it will start but still has the problems. Put new switch in does not start. Am I doing something wrong or is there something else I need to do?

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Thursday, October 13th, 2011 AT 1:49 AM

HARRISL05

MEMBER

I just replaced my ignition switch and electric component. The car will not start and the security light is flashing. I tried to unhook the battery and wait ten minutes then put the cable back on and turning the key and waiting about thirty more minutes. The car will not start. Can someone help?